Hi everyone! Today, I'm going to talk to you about a subject that fascinates me as a pet shop floor manager: the oranda fish and its price. These little aquatic wonders have always fascinated me, and I'm delighted to share my knowledge with you. So let's dive into the world of these very special goldfish together!
Characteristics and special features of oranda fish
The oranda is an ornamental goldfish native to Japan. What makes it unique is the fleshy growth on its head, affectionately known as the "bonnet". I still remember the first time I saw one, I thought the poor thing had a tumour! But no, it's a natural attribute that makes it so charming.
These fish have a robust, rounded body, with a broad, veiled tail that gives them a majestic appearance in the water. They come in an impressive range of colours: red, orange, white, black, blue and even calico for the lucky ones. Their adult size generally varies between 3 and 20 cm, but I've heard of a record specimen reaching 37 cm!
Here's a quick summary of their main features:
- Origin : Japan
- Particularity: Fleshy growth on the head ("cap").
- Average adult size: 3 to 20 cm
- Service life: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Calm, suitable for community aquariums
Price and factors influencing the cost of an oranda fish
Now to the crux of the matter: price. As a professional, I can tell you that size, age, variety and colour play a crucial role in determining the price.
Here is a small table summarising the average prices you can expect to find :
| Size | Average price |
|---|---|
| 3-5 cm | 4,50€ à 6€ |
| 6-10 cm | Approx. €15 |
| More than 10 cm | Approx. €30 |
| Top-quality specimens | 50 to €100 or more |
It's worth bearing in mind that prices can vary depending on where you buy them. In general, you'll find orandas cheaper in a garden centre than in a specialist pet shop. But price isn't everything! The quality and health of the fish are paramount.
Housing and maintenance: the keys to your oranda's well-being
As animal lovers, I can't talk about prices without mentioning the question of habitat and maintenance. A happy Oranda is a healthy Oranda, and that's priceless!
The ideal aquarium
To start with, an oranda needs an aquarium of at least 50 litres per fish. If you have a garden, you can also opt for an outdoor tank, as long as the temperature doesn't fall below 15°C. These fish are sensitive to temperature variations and prefer water between 17 and 28°C.
Maintenance and filtration
Maintenance is crucial to the well-being of your orandas. Good filtration and oxygenation are essential. Don't forget regular water changes! I advise you to change around 20% of water every week. It's a bit like cleaning your house, except that your fish will thank you!
Food and monthly costs
Orandas are omnivores with a penchant for plants. A varied diet is the key to their health. In terms of monthly costs, here's what you can expect (excluding initial purchase):
- Food: around €0.60
- Water: approx. €0.32
- Electricity: approx. €2
It's not much when you see the joy they bring, is it?
Buying advice and community life
Before concluding, let me give you a few buying tips. For a start, never buy an oranda alone! These fish are sociable and enjoy company. Ideally, you should have at least 2, but 5 is even better. It reminds me of an anecdote: one day, a customer came back in a panic because his solitary oranda wasn't eating any more. We added a few companions, and as if by magic, his appetite returned!
Orandas are calm fish, perfect for community aquariums. They get on well with other peaceful cold-water fish. If you're a fan of Japanese fish, you'll be pleased to know that orandas can cohabit with certain types of fish. koi carpalthough the latter generally require more space.
Don't forget to check the water quality. Orandas prefer soft to slightly hard water, with a GH between 5 and 15, and a pH between 7 and 8. It's a bit technical, but believe me, your fish will thank you for it!
Ultimately, the price of an oranda fish is only part of the equation. The important thing is to provide them with a healthy, suitable environment. With the right care, these little aquatic wonders will bring you years of joy and wonder. So, are you ready to dive into the oranda adventure?
External sources :
English 
French